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15 Top Cities of Belgium - Best travel and holiday destinations

15 Top Cities of Belgium - Best travel and holiday destinations

Updated 19 Jan, 2024
location_on Belgium

Belgium is a picturesque small country in Western Europe that has been one of the best destinations for tourists in Europe with its medieval towns, renaissance architecture and the headquarter of the European Union. Belgium is also well famous for its chocolates, fries, waffles and beer.

The canals, fashion, historic sites, mussels and much more makes Belgium a popular holiday spot for travelers.

Belgium has some of the world's best travel destinations and cities; read along to find the inspiration for your next trip.

Brussels - most developed city in Belgium

Grand Place in Brussels, Belgium
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Brussels is the largest city of Belgium that is one of the most visited tourist spots in Europe that attracts a large number of visitors with its historic landmarks, restaurants and bars, shopping centers and many more cultural landmarks, some of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Top things to do in Brussels –

  • Round over the Grand Place, a multicultural market square here with many guild halls.
  • Locate Manneken Pis, an iconic 17th century bronze statue of a boy.
  • Tour to the Royal Palace of Brussels.
  • Come across Atomium, a large steel atom sculpture in Brussels.
  • Meander the Royal Gallery of Saint Hubert, an upscale glass covered marketplace in the city.
  • Admire the grand Parc Du Cinquantenaire, a city park with art and military museums.
  • View famous European landmarks in miniature form at Mini Europe park.

Popular food to try in Brussels includes Gueuze, Lambic, Belgian chocolates, Moules Frites, Waterzooi, Belgian waffles, Friterie, Bonbon, French fries and many traditional Belgian delights.

Best time to visit Brussels – the months of March, April , May, September and October are best to visit Brussels.

How to reach Brussels – Brussels can be reached easily by booking a flight to Brussels Airport located around 12 km away from the city centre.

Antwerp - best shopping destination in Belgium

Grote Markt in Antwerp, Belgium
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Antwerp is the most populous city in Belgium located at the bank of river Scheldt. Antwerp city is well known for its diamond industry and is the commercial center of Belgium.

Top things to do in Antwerp –

  • Upgrade yourself in its fashion district of Modewijk.
  • Shop many national and international brands in Meir street, the main shopping street in Antwerp.
  • Buy Belgian chocolates, cheese and beer, handmade soaps, art pieces, diamonds and many more souvenirs.
  • Visit the magnificent Cathedral of Our Lady, the most famous landmark in Antwerp.
  • Know about Antwerp’s heritage at Museum Aan De Stroom.
  • Stroll along the Grote Markt, an area in the old town famous for renaissance architecture to experience the city’s culture and shop some souvenirs.

Popular food to try in Antwerp consists of Kriek Lambic, Friterie, Waterzooi, Cuberdon, Stroopwafel, Bonbon, Praline, biscuits and gravy along with Belgian waffles and chocolates.

Best time to visit Antwerp – the ideal time to visit the city is from July to September.

How to reach Antwerp – the city can be reached easily by booking a flight to Antwerp International Airport located around 5.5 km away from the city centre.

Mons - cultural capital of Belgium

statues in church of Mons, Belgium
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Mons is the capital city of Hainaut province of Belgium in the Walloon region and is the only baroque belfry in Belgium that is considered as the pearl of Walloon region.

Top things to do in Mons –

  • Discover the unique gothic architecture of Saint Waltrude Collegiate Cathedral, Maison Van Gogh, Decorative Arts Museum Francois Duesburg
  • Must visit Belfry of Mons, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Mons.
  • Get a glimpse of traditional houses and historic sites of Mons in a grand place.
  • Learn about military history at Mons Memorial Museum.
  • Take a boat tour to get a different perspective of the city’s landmarks and architectural heritage.
  • End your trip at Grand Hornu, a modern gallery on a mine site in Mons.

Popular food to try in Mons comprises of French, European and Belgian cuisines along with wine and beer.

Best time to visit Mons– the time from June to September is best for visiting the city of Mons.

How to reach Mons– the nearest airport from the city is Brussels South Charleroi Airport located around 37 km away from the city.

Ghent - food capital of Belgium

church in Ghent, Belgium
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Ghent is a beautiful port city in Belgium located at the intersection of Leie and Scheldt Rivers in the northwestern part of the country.

Top things to do in Ghent –

  • Get lost in its vibrant public squares and markets.
  • Foodies can delight themselves with melodious restaurants and cafes along with dynamic chefs.
  • Enjoy best dining alone with being the organic capital of Belgium, vegetarians too have a lot of options.
  • Book a boat tour to see the major point of interest in Ghent.
  • Enjoy food in restaurants like Paul’s Boutique, Publiek, The House of Eliott, Bar Italiano, Georges and Ankara.
  • Relax at the riverfront patios on the Graslei and taste food while looking at lovely scenery.

Popular food to try in Ghent includes Cuberdon, chocolate truffles, whipped creams, Lambic, Jupiter, croissants, Aperitif, hot chocolate, cheese and Bonbon.

Best time to visit Ghent – the period between April and June is best for visiting the city of Ghent.

How to reach Ghent – the nearest airport from Ghent is Brussels Airport located around 42 km away from the city centre.

Bruges - top nightlife destination in Belgium

Central market during night in Bruges, Belgium
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Bruges is the capital city of West Flanders province of Belgium that is a famous tourist destination.

Top things to do in Bruges –

  • Fall in love with various bridges, cobbled streets, medieval buildings and canals, no doubt the city is nicknamed as Venice of the north.
  • Head to the city's port of Zeebrugge, an important center for fishing and trade in Bruges.
  • Night out with friends in many pubs and bars to choose from like The Cafedraal, De Garre, T' Poatersgat, Nocturne, and Ma Rica Rokk.
  • Trip to Vlamingstraat and Blekerstraat part of the city enjoying nightlife in Bruges.
  • Do shopping and relish fine dining at the central market of Bruges.
  • Complete your journey after a canal ride to cherish the beauty of this dazzling city.

Popular food to try in Bruges consists of Carbonade Flamande, Lambic, Speculaas, Framboise, Moules Frites, fruit beer, Goda cheese, Edam, Guinness, Stroopwafel and Belgian waffles and chocolates.

Best time to visit Bruges– the time from mid May to mid October is the best time to visit the city.

How to reach Bruges– you can book a flight to Ostend Bruges International Airport to get access to the city.

Ostend - top beach destination in Belgium

sea view from Ostend, Belgium
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Ostend is a coastal city in Belgium located in the province of West Flanders in northern Belgium.

Top things to do in Ostend –

  • Walk along the long sand beaches and promenade.
  • Attend the annual sculpture festival held at the Ostend beach.
  • Get inside the Mercator, a ship here that acts as a floating museum now.
  • Move to the Mu.ZEE, a museum to see the city's art of the 19th and 20th century.
  • Feel the tranquility of the peaceful nature of Japanse Tuin, a garden.
  • Visit the Royal Galleries of Ostend, a seaside neoclassical arcade in the city.

Popular food to try in Ostend comprises shrimp croquettes, Moules Frites, Turbot, T bone steak, shrimp and Belgian waffles and pancakes along with beer and coffee.

Best time to visit Ostend – the best time to visit the city is from March till August.

How to reach Ostend – you can book a flight to Ostend Bruges International Airport to get access to the city.

Mechelen - top solo travel destination in Belgium

town hall of Mechelen, Belgium
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Mechelen is a city in Belgium located at the province of Antwerp between the cities of Brussels and Antwerp.

Top things to do in Mechelen –

  • Marvel the Saint Rumbold’s Cathedral, a grand 13th century edifice in Mechelen.
  • Enjoy with your family in the Technopolis science center.
  • Take a boat trip over the Brussels Scheldt Maritime Canal.
  • Find many rare animals in Planckendael, a large zoo in the city.
  • Progress to the Grote Markt of the city filled with many shops and restaurants.

Popular food to try in Mechelen includes steak, Moules Frites, salads, sandwiches, pastas, Belgian waffles along with coffee and beer.

Best time to visit Mechelen– the best time to visit the city is from late May to early October.

How to reach Mechelen– the city can be reached easily by taking a bus or taxi from the city of Brussels or Antwerp.

Zwin - top place to explore birds in Belgium

pelican in Zwin nature reserve, Belgium
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Zwin is a natural reserve in Belgium on the coast of the North Sea on the border of Belgium and Netherlands.

Top things to do in Zwin –

  • Fall in love with the exceptional natural beauty of reserve.
  • View thousands of birds in Zwin’s rich and unique mud flat area.
  • Find more than half the total species of birds of Belgium.
  • Get adventurous while exploring the unconventional landscape of the reserve.

Zwin natural reserve is known as an international airport for foreign birds where they migrate, eat and hibernate.

Best time to visit Zwin– the ideal time to visit the reserve is during the months of September and October.

How to reach Zwin– the nearest city from the reserve is Knokke – Heist from where you can take a bus to reach the reserve.

Sonian Forest - top romantic destination in Belgium

fountain in Sonian Forest, Belgium
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Sonian forest is a small forest area in Belgium located southeast to the city of Brussels.

Top things to do in Sonian Forest –

  • Escape from the crowded city; relax and enjoy with your partner.
  • Get lost in greenery dominated by beech and oak trees where you get to see worthy places some of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
  • Adore along with your partner cycling, Nordic strolling, running and riding.
  • Do carp angling in the three major lakes of forest.

Best time to visit Sonian Forest – the ideal time to visit the forest is from May till September.

How to reach Sonian Forest – Sonian forest is easily accessible by taking a bus or train from the city of Brussels.

Dinant - top family travel destination in Belgium

panoramic view of Dinant, Belgium
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Dinant is a city in Walloon region of Belgium in Namur province that is situated on the bank of Meuse river and surrounded by steep cliffs.

Top things to do in Dinant –

  • Go on a nature adventure while exploring its cultural landmarks.
  • Come upon the Dinant Citadel, a magnificent medieval fortress with brilliant views.
  • Meander the vast petty gardens of Maison Leffe.
  • Get inside the Grotte de Dinant La Merveilleuse, a cave here.
  • Adventure yourself with activities like canoeing, camping and hiking in River Lesse and the area around.

Popular food to try in Dinant comprises Flamiche, Couques de Dinant and Moules Frites.

Best time to visit Dinant– the best time to visit the city is from May to September.

How to reach Dinant– the nearest airport from the city is Brussels South Charleroi Airport located around 38 km away from the city.

Ardennes - top adventure destination in Belgium

cycling along mountains of Ardennes, Belgium
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Ardennes or the Ardennes forest is a vast unspoiled forest area located in the southeast part of Belgium that extends up to Luxembourg.

Top things to do in Ardennes –

  • Get lost in a large forest of broadleaf and fir landscaped by many hills, cliffs, caves and fast flowing rivers.
  • Uncover a wide variety of flora and fauna over the region.
  • Wonder at thrilling wildlife including lynx, wild boar and deer.
  • Nature enthusiasts can ramble camping, hiking and cycling.
  • Live in the cozy nestling villages that are situated on the valleys of this hilly forest area.

Popular food to try in Ardennes includes Ardense ham, Salade Liegeoise, seafood and many traditional delicacies.

Best time to visit Ardennes– the ideal time to visit the forest is from late May to early October.

How to reach Ardennes– the nearest airport from the forest is Brussels South Charleroi Airport from where you can take a bus or train to reach the forest.

Tournai - historical capital of Belgium

railway station in Tournai, Belgium
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Tournai is a city in Belgium located in the Wallonia region near the French border in western Belgium. Tournai is the oldest city in Belgium with more than 2000 years of history.

Top things to do in Tournai –

  • Feel holy in Notre Dame Cathedral of Tournai, a medieval place of worship with 5 towers.
  • View a number of paintings and arts in the Museum of Fine Arts.
  • Get surprised at the architecture of Belfry of Tournai,
  • Pass the Bridge of Holes, a medieval three arch bridge in Tournai.
  • Enjoy fun rides at Jungle City Amusement Park.

Popular food to try in Tournai consists of Lapin à la Tournaisienne, Couque de Dinant, Boudin Blanc and many Wallonia’s delights.

Best time to visit Tournai– the months of May, June, July, August and September are best to visit the city.

How to reach Tournai– you can book a flight to Maubray Airport to get access to the city.

Riemst - top wine lover destination in Belgium

distillery in wine castle of Riemst, Belgium
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Riemst is a city in Belgium located in the province of Limburg in the Flemish region.

Top things to do in Riemst –

  • Witness the largest wine producer in Belgium, Wijnkasteel Genoels Elderen vineyard.
  • Enjoy its wine and roam around the beautiful parks and gardens.
  • Taste beautifully balanced wine with perfect acidity along with three varieties of sparkling wine.
  • Feel the elegance of a beautiful wine castle, an old chariot house here containing the wine cellars, distillery and grape press.

Best time to visit Riemst – the best time to visit the city is from late June to early September.

How to reach Riemst– the nearest airport from the city is Liege Airport located around 22 km away from the city.

Liege - most beautiful city in Belgium

Montagne De Bueren in Liege, Belgium
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Liege is the third largest city of Belgium located at the province of Liege in Wallonia region on the bank of Meuse river that has been the major commercial and cultural center of Belgium.

Top things to do in Liege –

  • Cherish the wealth of churches and medieval buildings along with top class museums and art galleries.
  • Step up the Montagne De Bueren, a staircase with 374 steps that offers some best city views.
  • Get mesmerized at the majestic interior of Saint Paul Cathedral of Liege.
  • Adore the fine arts of La Boverie museum with handsome landscapes.
  • Come across the royal Saint Lambert’s Cathedral , a subtle church with original 1794 relics.

Popular food to try in Liege comprises Boulets, Peket, rice tart, le Lacqumant, Boudin Blanc, Bouquettes, Herve cheese, Salade Liegeoise, Liege waffles and beer.

Best time to visit Liege – the period between late June and early September is best for visiting the city of Liege.

How to reach Liege – the city can be reached easily by booking a flight to Liege Airport.

Charleroi - most affordable city in Belgium

beautiful castle in Charleroi, Belgium
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Charleroi is a city in Belgium located at the province of Hainaut in Walloon region on the river Sambre that is one of the cheapest cities of Belgium .

Top things to do in Charleroi –

  • Know about the mining history of Bois Du Azucar.
  • Explore the art of Musee De La Photographie a Charleroi.
  • Locate the ancient monastery ruins of Allen Abbey.
  • Tour historical sites like Christopher’s Cathedral, Ham Sur Heure Castle, Maison Du Bailli à Charleroi, Caserne Museum, Amicale Solvay in Couillet and Glass Museum of Charleroi.
  • Enjoy the city views with a boat ride in river Sambre.

Popular food to try in Charleroi is Escabeche, la Blanche de Charleroi, Les vitoulets de Charleroi, La Gayette de Charleroi and local cheese.

Best time to visit Charleroi – the best time to visit the city is from May till September.

How to reach Charleroi – you can book a flight to Brussels South Charleroi Airport to get access to the city.